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By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their longstanding diplomatic relations and shared commitment to improving pilgrimage administration following a high-level meeting in Abuja between the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
Welcoming the Saudi delegation, the Foreign Affairs Minister described the visit as a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship, brotherhood, and cooperation between the two nations, founded on shared faith, mutual respect, and strong people-to-people connections.
He conveyed the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reaffirming Nigeria’s determination to further deepen cordial relations with the Kingdom.
The Minister noted that collaboration in the administration of Hajj and Umrah remains a key pillar of Nigeria–Saudi relations, underscoring the shared responsibility of both countries to safeguard the welfare, dignity, and spiritual fulfilment of pilgrims.
He commended Saudi Arabia for its extensive reforms and investments aimed at enhancing pilgrim safety, operational efficiency, and the overall pilgrimage experience, describing the efforts as a demonstration of visionary leadership and commitment to the global Muslim community.
During the engagement, the Saudi Minister was briefed on Nigeria’s recent steps to address recurring consular challenges associated with Umrah visa overstays. The Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that the Federal Government has approved a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Asfaar.ng as a sustainable solution to the issue.
He explained that the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has granted approval for the collaboration, noting that the initiative was first discussed and endorsed during President Tinubu’s official visit to Riyadh in consultations with Saudi authorities.
The Minister sought the Saudi Minister’s support for the initiative and invited him to inspect the facility, emphasising that the project is designed to serve the mutual interests of both countries.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to close cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and related institutions, the Minister stressed the need for strengthened coordination to address operational challenges and explore new areas of partnership to enhance pilgrimage management for Nigerian pilgrims.
Both sides expressed confidence that the engagement would translate into practical outcomes and further consolidate the excellent relations between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
